Poly(ether imide)s with tailored end groups

Abstract Poly(ether imide) (PEI) from polycondensation of 2,2‐bis[4‐(3,4‐dicarboxyphenoxy) phenyl] propane dianhydride (BPADA) and m‐phenylenediamine (mPD) is a type of high‐temperature engineering thermoplastics that have high glass transition temperature and outstanding mechanical properties. Owing to its wide use in many fields including automotive, aircraft, and electronics, the research of PEI has surged in the last few decades. As science and technology continue to progress rapidly, there is a growing demand for PEIs with better properties. Although a few approaches have successfully improved the properties of PEI, it is recognized that these approaches require complex procedures and are uneconomical. Contrastingly, end‐group modification of PEI is highly effective, simple, and economical. Over the last few years, our group has extensively studied the methods for improving the properties of PEI through end‐group modification. The end‐group moieties and polymer blocks introduce multiple hydrogen bonding, electrostatics, and microphase separation to PEI. In this article, we first classify the end groups based on their characteristics. Then, we compare their effects on the properties of PEIs, including thermal, rheological, mechanical, optical, flame‐retardant, and morphological, and discuss the roots of these effects. The in‐depth comparisons and discussion generate principles to guide the synthesis of PEIs with tailored properties by modifying the end groups. This timely article will provide insights into the synthesis of other novel high‐temperature polymers and entice endeavors to develop novel end groups.